Pronunciation: POL-ee-ETH-i-leen GLYE-kol/e-LECK-troe-lites/bis-AK-oh-dil
Generic Name: Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes
Brand Name: HalfLytely and Bisacodyl Tablet Bowel Prep Kit
Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution is used for:
Cleaning out the bowel before certain medical procedures (eg, colonoscopy). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution is a combination of 2 laxatives. The solution works by changing the amounts of water and electrolytes in the intestines. The tablet works by causing the colon to move contents along more quickly.
Do NOT use Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution
- you have appendicitis; severe stomach pain; severe constipation; stomach, intestinal, or rectal bleeding; or certain stomach or bowel problems (eg, blockage, problems with the contents of your stomach emptying, opening or hole in the wall of your stomach or bowel, certain types of inflammation, very enlarged bowel)
- you cannot swallow the tablet whole
- you will be having abdominal surgery
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution:
Some medical conditions may interact with Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a throat (esophagus) disease, reflux problems (GERD), stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcerative colitis), swallowing problems (eg, history of aspiration or regurgitation), problems with your gag reflex, electrolyte problems (eg, low blood potassium, sodium, calcium, or magnesium levels), kidney problems, or rectal bleeding of unknown cause
- if you have nausea, vomiting, or undiagnosed stomach pain
- if you have a history of heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure, angina) or a recent heart attack
- if you have a history of seizures, alcohol use, or you are currently in withdrawal from alcohol or certain other substances (eg, benzodiazepines)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of seizures may be increased
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, lisinopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (eg, losartan), diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen) because they may increase the risk of Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution's side effects
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution:
Use Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution refilled.
- For best results, do not eat solid food or drink milk on the day that you use Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution. Drink only clear liquids and do not eat any solid foods from the time you start Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution until your procedure is complete.
- Some of these products come with a Flavor Pack. If this product comes with a Flavor Pack and you wish to use it, add the contents of the Flavor Pack into the bottle before you add the water. If you do not use the Flavor Pack, throw it away.
- To mix the solution, fill the container with the amount of water indicated on the package label. Use lukewarm water to mix Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution to help the medicine dissolve faster. Shake well.
- Chilling Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution improves the taste. Do not add sugar, sweetening agents, or other additives to Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution.
- To use the bisacodyl tablet - Swallow the tablet with water unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- Do not take an antacid within 1 hour before you take the tablet.
- The first bowel movement should occur about 1 to 6 hours after you take the tablet.
- Wait until a bowel movement occurs (or a maximum of 6 hours) and then begin drinking the solution, unless your doctor has given you different instructions.
- To use the polyethylene glycol/electrolytes solution - Shake well before each use. Unless your doctor has given you different instructions, drink 8 ounces (240 mL) of the solution every 10 minutes until it is completely gone. It is best to drink each portion quickly rather than sipping it. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after each glass of medicine may help get rid of the taste.
- Other medicines taken by mouth within 1 hour of the start of the solution may not be absorbed or be effective. Contact your doctor or pharmacist with any concerns you might have about taking your other medicines.
- If you miss a dose of Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution, take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor. Notify your doctor right away if you are unable to finish taking Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution before your test.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution.
Important safety information:
- The first bowel movement usually occurs about 1 hour after you begin drinking Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution.
- If you experience stomach discomfort, pain, or bloating, you may need to stop the solution for a short time or allow a longer time between doses. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Notify your doctor right away if you are unable to finish taking Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution before your test.
- Keep all doctor and lab appointments while you are taking Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution.
- Do not drink large amounts of water during or after preparation for colonoscopy. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Do not take other laxatives while you are using Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution. Discuss any questions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Use Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution with caution in patients who are unconscious or partially conscious because they may be at greater risk for vomiting and inhaling Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution.
- Use Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Bloating; lightheadedness; nausea; rectal irritation; stomach fullness, cramps, or discomfort; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased urination; fainting; muscle weakness or cramping; persistent or severe nausea or vomiting; rectal bleeding; seizures; severe bloating or abdominal swelling; severe stomach pain; slow or irregular heartbeat; symptoms of dehydration (eg, very dry mouth or eyes, increased thirst, fast heartbeat, dizziness, headache); vomiting of blood.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution:
Store the tablet and the powder for solution (before mixing) at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. After mixing the solution, store it in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. Use the solution within 48 hours. Discard any unused portion of Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution. Keep Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes resources
- Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Drug Interactions
- Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes Support Group
- 2 Reviews for Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes - Add your own review/rating
Compare Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes with other medications
- Bowel Preparation
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